A bakery firm which employs hundreds of people in North Staffordshire is celebrating an increase in revenue and profits.

For the 26 weeks ending September 29, Premier Foods – which produces brands including Mr Kipling, Cadbury Cakes, Batchelors and Bisto – has enjoyed a 14 per cent jump in pre-tax profits, up from £26.4 million for same time last year to £30.2 million.

Turnover has also increased to £358 million from £353.3 million for the comparative 2017/18 period.

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The firm’s operational highlights over the past six months include the relaunch of its Mr Kipling brand – which delivered revenue growth of more than 13 per cent – and an increasing momentum from Batchelors’ newly launched Super Noodles and Pasta ‘n’ Sauce pot product ranges.

Premier Foods has now committed to developing ‘better for you’ choices across its portfolio, reducing sugar, salt, fat and gluten-free to help and encourage customers to improve their diet.

Premier Foods CEO Gavin Darby – who is stepping down from the role in January – said: “We are pleased to report revenue growth, an increase in trading profit and lower net debt.

“Mr Kipling, the group’s largest brand, was key to this growth following an excellent consumer response to its brand relaunch.

“Batchelors, our third largest brand, also delivered revenue growth as consumers continue to enjoy its new convenient pots range.”

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Premier Foods, which owns Manor Bakeries in Trent Vale, has total debt of around £509 million – £26 million lower than at the same time last year.

But as part of plans to drive down debt by £25 million each year, the company revealed that it is looking to sell its Ambrosia brand and has confirmed that it is already in talks with third parties.

That comes as sales of Bisto and Ambrosia products saw a decline in sales throughout July and August due to the UK’s unusually long summer.

Mr Darby added: “While we are committed to our strategy of improving operating performance, we are also working in parallel to identify other strategic opportunities to accelerate the company’s turnaround.

“The board has determined that it should focus resources on areas of the business which have the best potential for growth through accelerated investment in consumer marketing and high return capital projects.”